Volunteer Dennis Carter honored for service

NEW MILFORD — Rebuilding Together Litchfield County recently recognized longtime board member Dennis Carter of New Milford for his service with the organization.

Carter joined Rebuilding Together in its initial days in the early 2000's in Litchfield County. He developed a “25 Priorities – Health and Safety Checklist,” like that of the national organization.

According to members, Carter's job was to visit home sites and develop a list of priorities for each home. He was assisted by John Gsell of Marble Dale. The two of them worked closely with founder Ceia Webb. The lists included things like accessibility ramps, grab bars in the bathroom, the presence of fire extinguishers, handrails on steps, and removal of tripping hazards.

According to Webb, she relied on Carter's work, and said he was often the first person to visit a home after she made initial contact.

“His efforts to identify the needs of clients were instrumental in the early stages of Rebuilding's work,” Webb said.

Current Executive Director Nancy Rebehn still uses the “25 Priorities” list to schedule work at various sites. Rebuilding Together Litchfield County holds its annual Rebuilding Together Day on the last Saturday in March, bringing together skilled craftsmen and volunteers to help make homes warm, safe and dry so that

elderly, low-income homeowners can continue to live independently.

For more information about Rebuilding Together Litchfield County, visit

www.rebuildingtogetherlithfield.org or call 203-2409666.

Rebuilding Together / Contributed photo Board members, from left, Bruce Adams, John Matta, Dennis Carter, Mike Bogues and Tom Voytek gather to honor Carter’s contribution to Rebuilding Together Litchfield County over the past decade.